MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas drew a strong show of support following its crushing 105-61 loss to China and early exit from the Asian Games, with basketball officials urging Filipino fans to ease the criticism and instead rally behind a national team that competed without a naturalized player.
Strong Group Athletics president Frank Lao and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial defended the players amid the backlash from the 44-point defeat, stressing that they need encouragement as they recover from a disappointing campaign.
In a statement sent to Panay News, Lao appealed to Filipinos not to pile more pressure on the players after the setback.
“Nadapa na ang mga kababayan natin, tulungan natin para bumangon ulit, tumayo, at para lumaban ulit. Huwag na nating durugin pa,” Lao said.
Marcial, who was personally in Nagoya to witness Gilas’ games, said the magnitude of the defeat remained painful even a day later.
“Masakit para sa akin to see that happen. Sobrang sakit at ganun din sa mga players,” Marcial said.
He described a subdued Gilas locker room after the game, where players sat silently with their heads down following the lopsided defeat.
“There was no crying, pero lahat nakatungo. Halos ayaw ko rin silang tignan, masakit eh,” he said.
Marcial also defended the national team against criticism, noting that China overwhelmed Gilas with its combination of size and outside shooting.
“Pero ano magagawa ng mga players natin, ang tatangkad ng mga Chinese players ngayon, mga shooters pa,” he said. “Talagang pinaghandaan tayo ng husto ng China.”
Despite the disappointing result, Marcial praised the Gilas players for their sacrifices and willingness to represent the Philippines.
“Nakakaawa kasi sila and I salute them for the sacrifices they made and their willingness to serve the country. So nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa kanila ng husto,” he said.
With Gilas back in the country, Marcial appealed to critics to spare the players from further attacks, pointing out that the backlash also affects their families.
He also lamented the timing of the Asian Games, saying the national team might have been in a better position had the FIBA World Cup qualifying window come before the continental tournament.
“Sayang nga dapat mas nauna yung window ng FIBA World Cup qualifiers kaysa sa Asian Games,” Marcial said. “Sana hindi ganito. Iba talaga kapag walang naturalized players.”
Gilas competed in the Asian Games without a naturalized player and finished the group stage with a 1-2 record.
The Philippines failed to advance to the quarterfinals after the 44-point defeat to China ended its campaign./PN
